BSc (Hons)

Psychology and Child Development

C891

Have a passion for working with children? Curious about how they learn and develop? Discover the fascinating science behind how children think, feel and behave. You will join an active, supportive and inclusive community of students and staff and learn from experts, passionate about their specialism. Our degree equips you with the knowledge and skills to study the mind and behaviour of children and prepares you for a fulfilling and meaningful career.

Child playing in a garden

Course overview

The programme has a strong focus on research methods culminating, under expert supervision, in an extended independent research project on a child development topic. This allows you to engage with the latest research findings and psychological theories and gives you a chance to make a significant contribution to the vibrant research culture at Winchester.

In Year 1, you will be introduced to the main psychological sub-disciplines and practice the scientific research methods psychologists employ to study these. You will consider how psychology can contribute to contemporary society and our understanding of clinical disorders. Year 1 also sees you embark on the department's successful three-year award-winning graduate employability path, Psychology Futures.

In Year 2, you will examine the core British Psychological Society required subjects, such as child development, personality and individual differences, social, biological and cognitive psychology as well as quantitative and qualitative research methods. There will also be a focus on your development as a researcher aware of the sensitive and ethical requirements working with young people, but also as a future employable graduate.

In Year 3, supported by one of our high-calibre research active experts, you will develop, conduct, and write up your own piece of independent developmental psychology research. Your third year features not only compulsory modules exploring advanced issues in developmental psychology and topics in educational psychology, but also your selection from a range of optional modules to further explore your specialist interests within the wider field of psychology.

What you need to know

Course start date

September

Location

Winchester campus

Course length

  • 3 years full-time
  • 6 years part-time

Apply

C891

Typical offer

112-120 points

Fees

£9,250 per year

Course features

  • Accredited by the British Psychological Society
  • Explore psychological sub-disciplines with a focus on real-world applications and with a special focus on developmental psychology
  • Award-winning Psychology Futures employability programme designed by our chartered occupational psychologist to develop your bespoke professional and personal competencies
  • Vibrant research environment with opportunities for you to get involved with psychological research and attend research talks hosted by the Childhood and Youth Research Group
  • Friendly and inclusive learning community. You will be supported by a dedicated team of lecturers, a personal tutor with a specialism in developmental psychology; and in your final year, one-to-one supervision for your independent research project on an area of developmental psychology

Course details

Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.

You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.

In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc., you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.

Independent learning

Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.

Overall workload

Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.

While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.

Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*

Teaching, learning and assessment: 228 hours
Independent learning: 972 hours

Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*

Teaching, learning and assessment: 228 hours
Independent learning: 972 hours

Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*

Teaching, learning and assessment: 192 hours
Independent learning: 1008 hours

*Please note these are indicative hours for the course

The Department of Psychology places great emphasis on the quality of teaching, and discussions of learning and teaching are regular features of departmental meetings. We highly value the views of our students and encourage them to contribute to our discussions via their student representatives.

The Department houses several laboratories which support cutting edge research in social, developmental, cognitive and biological psychology, and has attracted significant investment in recent years to support both our teaching programmes and our research. All academic staff play an active role in research and by the third year, students are able to undertake their own research project and make contributions to the vibrant research culture.

Key features of the student experience are:

  • Department research seminars (approximately on a fortnightly basis during term time)
  • Range of academic and social activities organised by the student-led Psychology Society

Assessment

Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical exams.

We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details can be found by attending an open day or contacting our teaching staff.

Percentage of the course assessed by coursework

The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:

Year 1 (Level 4)*:

60% coursework
39% written exams
1% practical assessment

Year 2 (Level 5)*:

79% coursework
19% written exams
2% practical assessment

Year 3 (Level 6)*:

96% coursework
0% written exams
4% practical assessment

*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.

Feedback

We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.

Modules

Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions

Modules

Researcher and Professional Skills 1 30 Credits

This module develops key research, academic and professional skills expected from psychology students during their studies, and to understand the transferability of these into the workplace. In this module you are introduced to the principles of research design, and to basic techniques of qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Key conceptual and historical issues relating to the philosophy of science are addressed, and ethical issues are covered.

Students will carry out practical investigations in small groups to develop key skills in research design, data collection, analysis and report writing. Students are also encouraged to see how data analysis relates to research design, and hence to understand and value the insights that can be gained by a competent knowledge of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques. Students will have the opportunity to develop reflective skills, cognitive flexibility, communication skills and resilience. Students will be provided with greater awareness of their strengths, values and areas for development. 

 

Researcher and Professional Skills 2 30 Credits

This module further develops key research,  academic and professional skills expected from psychology students during their studies, and builds on understanding the transferability of these into the workplace. The module covers further aspects of research design, and additional techniques of qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Key conceptual and historical issues relating to the philosophy of science are discussed, and ethical issues are covered. Students will carry out practical investigations in small groups to further develop key skills in research design, data collection, analysis and report writing.

Students are encouraged to develop their understanding of how data analysis relates to research design, and hence to understand and value the insights that can be gained by a competent knowledge of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques. Students will have the opportunity to develop reflective skills, cognitive flexibility, communication skills and resilience. Students will be provided with greater awareness of their strengths, values and areas for development.

Perspectives in Psychology 30 Credits

This module introduces students to the main sub-disciplines of psychology: biological psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, individual differences and social psychology, as outlined in the British Psychological Society's required curriculum. You will look at core topics within each of the sub-discipline areas, gaining an understanding of how psychology (and its sub-disciplines) developed over time and an understanding of key conceptual and historical issues that are relevant to the discipline as a whole. Seminars with further develop this understanding by fostering discussion and debate on the key concepts and studies, helping you to better understand the relationship between theory and research. 

Psychological wellbeing in everyday life 30 Credits

This module introduces students to the topic of mental wellness and the research basis (psychopathological) for understanding how individuals might experience mental health conditions. In this module, the academic, clinical, and everyday are combined to give a broad understanding of how an evidence-based approach to discussing mental health contributes to a variety of applied domains.

The content covers core theoretical and research-informed perspectives on how psychopathology research (such as biopsychosocial, cognitive, and non-western approaches) defines and treats mental health conditions. This module then connects these core ideas to everyday contexts where psychologists may comment on mental health and wellbeing, such as in the media, business, or law enforcement. Students will be assessed on their critical analysis of empirical evidence, their ability to present scientific research and complex ideas in an engaging yet accessible style, and their ability to write concisely.

Modules

Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods 30 Credits

This module develops students’ quantitative and qualitative psychological research skills, expanding on knowledge and experience gained at Level 4. We will cover quantitative and qualitative research designs (full factorial designs) and data collection methods (interviews, vignettes, story completion tasks, surveys and experiments). Students will learn about quantitative analytical methods (ANOVA, multiple regression, power analysis) and qualitative analytical methods (thematic analysis, interpretative phenomenological analysis, discourse analysis).  

The module covers the conceptual and historical development of research methods and the theoretical perspectives underpinning quantitative and qualitative psychological research. Students will acquire research skills (collecting and analysing data), critical skills (evaluating research and methods), and communication skills (writing reports and research results). Students will gain further understanding of statistical software like SPSS and a broader awareness of ethical issues relating to quantitative and qualitative psychological research. 

Developmental and Social Psychology 30 Credits

This module builds on the coverage of developmental and social psychology at Level 4 by exploring contemporary theories and applications of developmental and social psychology in greater depth. Students will be introduced to the major historical and contemporary theoretical perspectives on child and adolescent development, as well as key conceptual and historical debates in social psychology.

For developmental psychology, key empirical studies, applied issues, and developmental diversity will be critically examined in areas such as attachment, social relations, language, and cognitive development. Students will gain critical understanding and practical experience of observational research methods with child participants. For social psychology, key topics such as identity, attitudes, prejudice, stereotyping, attribution theory, and leadership will be covered, as well as critical approaches to social psychology and traditions emerging from these, such as social constructionism. Across both developmental and social psychology, the influence of diverse sociocultural environments will be considered, as well as the importance of cultural context upon experience and behaviour.

Cognition, Biology and Individual Differences 30 Credits

This module provides students with a broad overview of fundamental topics in key areas of psychology: biology, cognition, and individual differences. Topics related to biological processes include typical and atypical neuropsychology, neuroscience, and behavioural genetics. Topics related to cognition include sensation and perception, attention, language, learning, memory, problem solving, and consciousness.

Topics related to individual differences include personality, intelligence, and psychometric test development. Conceptual and historical issues relevant to biological, cognitive, and individual differences psychology are also covered. Students will gain critical understanding and practical experience of research methods used by psychologists working in biological, cognitive, and individual differences topics. 

Applied Skills for Professional Research and Practice 30 Credits

This module aims to provide students with opportunities to develop and enhance a range of skills and competencies expected of a psychology graduate. Students will build on their subject specific knowledge from other modules to prepare for conducing independent psychological research, developing an empirical research proposal for a research project to complete at Level 6.

Students will evolve their career goals and aspired professional identities, develop tangible career tools (employability audit, Personal Action Plan) and gain an awareness of the psychology related career pathways available upon graduation. Students will gain experience of applying psychological knowledge and theory in different contexts. The assessment structure encourages experience of verbal and written communication as well as self-reflection on personal and professional development, and how the degree prepares for further study or career pathways both within and beyond Psychology.  

Modules

Final Year Project and Future Directions 30 Credits

Your project takes the form of an original independent empirical investigation in a psychological topic area. Students are required to select their topic or research question and produce a research proposal before the end of Semester 2 of Level 5. Supervisors are allocated according to the research topic and data collection may only commence once ethical approval has been granted by the ethics committee. The indicative length of the project is 5,000 words for quantitative and 7,000 words for qualitative projects. Additionally, this module will facilitate future employability through one-to-one tutorials between students and their Final Year Project supervisor; providing individualised support concerning postgraduate aims and specific job searches.

Advanced Topics in Developmental and Educational Psychology 30 Credits

The developmental psychology content focuses on contemporary topics drawn from fields such as children’s social, cognitive, and emotional development and development within the family context. For each topic, students will be supported to undertake an in-depth examination of theoretical perspectives, empirical studies, methodological approaches, and potential applications. Appreciation of the potential diversity of developmental pathways is encouraged through consideration of sociocultural contexts and children with varied abilities.   

The educational psychology content will focus on a range of topics related to education across all ages, with a clear focus on real life situations. A range of topics will be covered such as learning motivation, literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development linked to educational psychology. Students will examine current research, debates and controversies, reflecting on different methods, applied research, or interventions used to study Educational Psychology.  

Optional modules 30 Credits

Students can choose one 30 credit module.

Forensic Psychology: The investigative process and offender rehabilitation - 30 credits
This module will consider current research, theory, and debates relevant to psychology’s application to the Criminal Justice System, from crime through to offender rehabilitation. Students will draw on theories of cognitive, social and development psychology, and apply these to the real-world concerns of both forensic and investigative psychologists. Within the module students will become familiar with a range of topics relevant to police and jurors (such as interview procedures, line-up construction and juror decision making), witnesses and victims (such as memory, suggestibility, and individual vulnerabilities) and offenders (such as theories of criminal behaviour, false confessions, detection of deception, and rehabilitation). Students will critically engage with this evidence and communicate their knowledge of these issues to a non-psychology audience.  

Clinical and Health Psychology - 30 credits
This module will outline current literature, research, theory, and conceptual debates in the field of clinical and health psychology. It aims to familiarise students with mental health issues and the treatment within clinical psychology. Similarly, it provides insight into the approaches, interventions and areas of research and practice associated with health psychology. The module builds on previous knowledge imparted at lower levels and expands student understanding of clinical and health psychology into areas of application and practice. The module invites students to look closely into a set of mental and physical health problems, and issues that are typically encountered in clinical and health psychology. Students are encouraged to engage critically with public research in each of the respective areas. 

Social and Occupational Psychology - 30 credits
In this module students will learn about contemporary social and occupational psychology theories, approaches, and research that will help them to understand life and people in a globalised and fast-changing 21st century world. Within social psychology, this will include topics such as: collective identities and civic engagement, prosocial behaviour, groups processes, and social influence. You will also critically engage with how social psychological theories have contributed to our understanding of social phenomena and look at ways in which social psychology can or should be used to address issues of contemporary concern. Within occupational psychology, research and practice will be explored from different perspectives and levels within the organisation, including individuals, groups, the organisation, and wider society, offering insight into the wide ranging and diverse competencies required as an occupational psychologist. You will gain an understanding of designing and implementing evidence-based practices in the workplace as well as the complexities that come with achieving this. 

 

Optional modules 15 Credits

Students can choose one of the following in semester one.  

Advanced Statistics and Applied Statistics - 15 credits
This module is team taught by a number of staff with experience of different statistical techniques. It aims to build on the skills developed through the level 1 and 2 statistics courses and as such it intends to introduce new, more advanced, statistical procedures as well as contexts for their use. Examples of such procedures and analyses are: Factor Analysis, Advanced Multiple Regression, Structural Equation Modelling, Power Analysis, Loglinear Analysis, MANOVA and Discriminant Function Analysis, Correspondence Analysis.  Furthermore, it offers the student the opportunity to explore some of the debates around conceptual and philosophical statistical issues such as the meaning of psychological measurement and the position of Psychology with respect to other quantitative disciplines following scientific methods of data gathering and analysis. There may also be opportunities to explore large datasets through the internet, or learn to program SPSS syntax, use advanced graphing features.

Embodied Cognition and Contemplative Practice Studies - 15 credits
The module will present the historical perspective of the encounter of eastern contemplative practice studies with western sciences, in particular, in the domain of cognitive neurosciences.  Students will be familiarised with the theoretical framework stemming from embodied cognition that underpins western contemplative practice studies. The role of meditative practices on key aspects of the brain functioning in relation to cognitive functions (e.g. attention, perception, emotions, decision making) and emotions will be critically considered. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the impact of these recent developments on modern societal aspects such as the 2015 Mindful Nation UK report’s recommendations for Health, Education, Workplace and Criminal Justice. 

Psychology of Consumer Behaviour - 15 credits
Consumer behaviour is the study of the processes involved when individuals or groups select, purchase, use or dispose of products, services, ideas or experiences to satisfy needs and desires. The module aims to introduce students to core topics in consumer behaviour and help them understand how organisations create and develop brands and how psychological theories can be/are applied to create and explain consumer behaviour.
This module aims to equip students with essential applied thinking and implementation skills by focusing on how psychology can be/is applied in commercial practice. 

Psychology Placement - 15 credits
This module enables students to work within a commercial environment for a minimum of 15 days (111 hours) or a volunteering placement for 12 weeks (approx 2.5 hours per week). The student will critically reflect on their workplace/volunteering experience, including the positive contribution they have made to the organisation, and the organisational benefits they offer as an individual trained in psychological theory and methods. This is an opportunity for students to develop their employability skills and career identity, improve their understanding of business models, and gain tangible experience in the workplace. Students will be supported by the University's Placement Service to secure their placement. This module will also allow students to start to create a professional network.

Students can choose one of the following in semester two.  

Cognitive Neuroscience - 15 credits
Cognitive neuroscience is a branch of both psychology and neuroscience overlapping with disciplines such as biological psychology, cognitive psychology and neuropsychology that aims to explore the biological substrates underlying mental processes and behaviours in healthy individuals and brain-damaged patients. Topics will cover historical perspectives, memory, visual perception, emotion, consciousness and mindfulness. Students will develop advanced knowledge of cognitive neuroscience research methods, and will use this knowledge to critically evaluate published research. 

The Psychology of Music - 15 credits
This module introduces students to existing theories and findings that have been developed in the field of music psychology, ranging from biological and physiological responses to music to the social and cultural meanings and understandings of music. It will consider developmental aspects of the topic, both in terms of how children acquire musical skills and the role that music plays in development across the lifespan. It will also explore the ideas behind music therapy and the various benefits that have been claimed for music as a clinical tool. It will consider psychological aspects of musical performance as well as the role that (particularly recorded) music plays as a component of personal identity and social interaction.

The Psychology of Creativity - 15 credits
The capacity to imagine how things could be different and find ways to turn that vision into reality is a central pillar of human achievement. As a result, humans have sought to fly, transplant organs, develop new energy sources, provide mass education, form civil societies, and produce new forms of art. At the heart of this capacity is creativity, the ability to develop new ideas and artefacts that are effective. Further, because creativity implies an ability to adapt to changing circumstances, it is ever more sought after by employers seeking to deal with the pace of change in our technology driven society. So how does human creativity arise and how can we influence it? This module will give you the opportunity to explore what it means to be creative from both a personal and psychological research perspective and help you to translate theory into practical approaches to support creativity.

Critical and Applied Research Design - 15 credits
This module encourages students to be become critical consumers and creators of research. The content links a critical history of psychological research with contemporary challenges with putting research into practice. Students will explore the use of core research skills for practice and how we might approach non-academic research questions. Throughout this module, there is a critical eye on the power and ethical practice of researchers for defining language and societal discourse. Students should leave this module reflecting on how research methods are used in a variety of academic and non-academic occupations and contexts. 

 

Optional

Final Year Project and Future Directions 30 Credits

Your project takes the form of an original independent empirical investigation in a psychological topic area. Students are required to select their topic or research question and produce a research proposal before the end of Semester 2 of Level 5. Supervisors are allocated according to the research topic and data collection may only commence once ethical approval has been granted by the ethics committee. The indicative length of the project is 5,000 words for quantitative and 7,000 words for qualitative projects. Additionally, this module will facilitate future employability through one-to-one tutorials between students and their Final Year Project supervisor; providing individualised support concerning postgraduate aims and specific job searches.

Advanced Topics in Developmental and Educational Psychology 30 Credits

The developmental psychology content focuses on contemporary topics drawn from fields such as children’s social, cognitive, and emotional development and development within the family context. For each topic, students will be supported to undertake an in-depth examination of theoretical perspectives, empirical studies, methodological approaches, and potential applications. Appreciation of the potential diversity of developmental pathways is encouraged through consideration of sociocultural contexts and children with varied abilities.   

The educational psychology content will focus on a range of topics related to education across all ages, with a clear focus on real life situations. A range of topics will be covered such as learning motivation, literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development linked to educational psychology. Students will examine current research, debates and controversies, reflecting on different methods, applied research, or interventions used to study Educational Psychology.  

Optional modules 30 Credits

Students can choose one 30 credit module.

Forensic Psychology: The investigative process and offender rehabilitation - 30 credits
This module will consider current research, theory, and debates relevant to psychology’s application to the Criminal Justice System, from crime through to offender rehabilitation. Students will draw on theories of cognitive, social and development psychology, and apply these to the real-world concerns of both forensic and investigative psychologists. Within the module students will become familiar with a range of topics relevant to police and jurors (such as interview procedures, line-up construction and juror decision making), witnesses and victims (such as memory, suggestibility, and individual vulnerabilities) and offenders (such as theories of criminal behaviour, false confessions, detection of deception, and rehabilitation). Students will critically engage with this evidence and communicate their knowledge of these issues to a non-psychology audience.  

Clinical and Health Psychology - 30 credits
This module will outline current literature, research, theory, and conceptual debates in the field of clinical and health psychology. It aims to familiarise students with mental health issues and the treatment within clinical psychology. Similarly, it provides insight into the approaches, interventions and areas of research and practice associated with health psychology. The module builds on previous knowledge imparted at lower levels and expands student understanding of clinical and health psychology into areas of application and practice. The module invites students to look closely into a set of mental and physical health problems, and issues that are typically encountered in clinical and health psychology. Students are encouraged to engage critically with public research in each of the respective areas. 

Social and Occupational Psychology - 30 credits
In this module students will learn about contemporary social and occupational psychology theories, approaches, and research that will help them to understand life and people in a globalised and fast-changing 21st century world. Within social psychology, this will include topics such as: collective identities and civic engagement, prosocial behaviour, groups processes, and social influence. You will also critically engage with how social psychological theories have contributed to our understanding of social phenomena and look at ways in which social psychology can or should be used to address issues of contemporary concern. Within occupational psychology, research and practice will be explored from different perspectives and levels within the organisation, including individuals, groups, the organisation, and wider society, offering insight into the wide ranging and diverse competencies required as an occupational psychologist. You will gain an understanding of designing and implementing evidence-based practices in the workplace as well as the complexities that come with achieving this. 

 

Optional modules 15 Credits

Students can choose one of the following in semester one.  

Advanced Statistics and Applied Statistics - 15 credits
This module is team taught by a number of staff with experience of different statistical techniques. It aims to build on the skills developed through the level 1 and 2 statistics courses and as such it intends to introduce new, more advanced, statistical procedures as well as contexts for their use. Examples of such procedures and analyses are: Factor Analysis, Advanced Multiple Regression, Structural Equation Modelling, Power Analysis, Loglinear Analysis, MANOVA and Discriminant Function Analysis, Correspondence Analysis.  Furthermore, it offers the student the opportunity to explore some of the debates around conceptual and philosophical statistical issues such as the meaning of psychological measurement and the position of Psychology with respect to other quantitative disciplines following scientific methods of data gathering and analysis. There may also be opportunities to explore large datasets through the internet, or learn to program SPSS syntax, use advanced graphing features.

Embodied Cognition and Contemplative Practice Studies - 15 credits
The module will present the historical perspective of the encounter of eastern contemplative practice studies with western sciences, in particular, in the domain of cognitive neurosciences.  Students will be familiarised with the theoretical framework stemming from embodied cognition that underpins western contemplative practice studies. The role of meditative practices on key aspects of the brain functioning in relation to cognitive functions (e.g. attention, perception, emotions, decision making) and emotions will be critically considered. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the impact of these recent developments on modern societal aspects such as the 2015 Mindful Nation UK report’s recommendations for Health, Education, Workplace and Criminal Justice. 

Psychology of Consumer Behaviour - 15 credits
Consumer behaviour is the study of the processes involved when individuals or groups select, purchase, use or dispose of products, services, ideas or experiences to satisfy needs and desires. The module aims to introduce students to core topics in consumer behaviour and help them understand how organisations create and develop brands and how psychological theories can be/are applied to create and explain consumer behaviour.
This module aims to equip students with essential applied thinking and implementation skills by focusing on how psychology can be/is applied in commercial practice. 

Psychology Placement - 15 credits
This module enables students to work within a commercial environment for a minimum of 15 days (111 hours) or a volunteering placement for 12 weeks (approx 2.5 hours per week). The student will critically reflect on their workplace/volunteering experience, including the positive contribution they have made to the organisation, and the organisational benefits they offer as an individual trained in psychological theory and methods. This is an opportunity for students to develop their employability skills and career identity, improve their understanding of business models, and gain tangible experience in the workplace. Students will be supported by the University's Placement Service to secure their placement. This module will also allow students to start to create a professional network.

Students can choose one of the following in semester two.  

Cognitive Neuroscience - 15 credits
Cognitive neuroscience is a branch of both psychology and neuroscience overlapping with disciplines such as biological psychology, cognitive psychology and neuropsychology that aims to explore the biological substrates underlying mental processes and behaviours in healthy individuals and brain-damaged patients. Topics will cover historical perspectives, memory, visual perception, emotion, consciousness and mindfulness. Students will develop advanced knowledge of cognitive neuroscience research methods, and will use this knowledge to critically evaluate published research. 

The Psychology of Music - 15 credits
This module introduces students to existing theories and findings that have been developed in the field of music psychology, ranging from biological and physiological responses to music to the social and cultural meanings and understandings of music. It will consider developmental aspects of the topic, both in terms of how children acquire musical skills and the role that music plays in development across the lifespan. It will also explore the ideas behind music therapy and the various benefits that have been claimed for music as a clinical tool. It will consider psychological aspects of musical performance as well as the role that (particularly recorded) music plays as a component of personal identity and social interaction.

The Psychology of Creativity - 15 credits
The capacity to imagine how things could be different and find ways to turn that vision into reality is a central pillar of human achievement. As a result, humans have sought to fly, transplant organs, develop new energy sources, provide mass education, form civil societies, and produce new forms of art. At the heart of this capacity is creativity, the ability to develop new ideas and artefacts that are effective. Further, because creativity implies an ability to adapt to changing circumstances, it is ever more sought after by employers seeking to deal with the pace of change in our technology driven society. So how does human creativity arise and how can we influence it? This module will give you the opportunity to explore what it means to be creative from both a personal and psychological research perspective and help you to translate theory into practical approaches to support creativity.

Critical and Applied Research Design - 15 credits
This module encourages students to be become critical consumers and creators of research. The content links a critical history of psychological research with contemporary challenges with putting research into practice. Students will explore the use of core research skills for practice and how we might approach non-academic research questions. Throughout this module, there is a critical eye on the power and ethical practice of researchers for defining language and societal discourse. Students should leave this module reflecting on how research methods are used in a variety of academic and non-academic occupations and contexts. 

 

Entry requirements

112-120 points

Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:

  • A-Levels: BBC-BBB from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. BBB is comparable to ABC in terms of tariff points)
  • BTEC/CTEC: DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
  • International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
  • T Level: Merit in a T Level

Additionally, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.

In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:

GCSEs in Mathematics and English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further

If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.

International points required

If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:

  • IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
  • We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT

If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by contacting our International Recruitment Team via our International Apply Pages.

2025 Course Tuition Fees

  UK / Channel Islands /
Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland 

International

Year 1 £9,250 £16,700
Year 2 £9,250 £16,700
Year 3 £9,250 £16,700
Total £27,750 £50,100
Optional Sandwich Year* £1,850 £3,340
Total with Sandwich Year £29,600 £53,440

Additional tuition fee information

If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2025, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a three-year degree would be £27,750 for UK students.

Remember, you don’t have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year.

UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.

International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £139.14 and a 15 credit module is £2,087.

* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year.

**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.

Additional costs

As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.

There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:

Mandatory

Disclosure and Barring Service

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check may be required if you undertake a placement, volunteering, research or other course related activity where you will have contact with children or vulnerable adults. The requirement for a DBS check will be confirmed by staff as part of the process to approve your placement, research or other activity. The indicative cost is £40.

Optional

Core texts

Core texts are available from the University Library; however some students prefer to purchase their own copies. Some core texts can be bought second hand or as an ebook, which can often reduce this cost. Indicative cost is £400 for the whole course.

 

SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS

We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards section.

CAREER PROSPECTS

Graduates pursue careers in health and social care, education, marketing, public relations, management, human resources and the public sector. Those wishing to pursue professional careers in psychology - such as clinical, educational, or occupational psychology - need to undertake further study and training to gain professional recognition. Graduates with a 2:2 honours or above will be eligible to apply for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership status, which is an entry requirement for many accredited postgraduate training courses in psychology. This is the first step towards becoming a chartered psychologist.

Due to the wide range of skills and the rigour with which they are taught, training in psychology is widely accepted as providing an excellent preparation for many careers. In addition to subject knowledge, graduates also develop skills in communication, numeracy, analysis, teamwork, critical thinking, computing, independent learning and many others, all of which are highly valued by employers.

The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment and/or further study (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023, HESA).

ACCREDITATION

Accredited by the British Psychological Society for the purpose of eligibility to apply for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership, provided the minimum standard of qualification of second-class Honours is achieved and the empirical project is passed.

PRE-APPROVED FOR A MASTERS

If you study a Bachelor Honours degree with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree.

OUR CAREERS SERVICE
Student with careers staff member
"At Winchester you are truly valued as a student. I will graduate knowing that the University helped me become the best version of myself, and I have developed the tools and skills to continue learning and growing in my career and personal life." Ellen, University of Winchester graduate

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18 January 2025